Father Luke Melackrinos
Early Education and Ordination
Father Luke completed his Bachelor of Arts at Hellenic College in 2000 and earned a Master of Divinity from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2003. Ordained as a deacon on March 31, 2002 by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Bethesda, Maryland. Elevated to the Holy Priesthood on August 24, 2003—the feast day of St. Kosmas of Aitolos—again by Metropolitan Gerasimos at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul in Hempstead, NY.
Ministry at the Cathedral of St. Paul (Hempstead, NY)
Father Luke served prominently at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul, where he became pastor (proistamenos) in 2006 after being initially assigned in 2003. During his tenure, he catalyzed numerous Christ-centered initiatives, including:
- St. Paul’s Nursery School
- Vacation Church School
- The Little Angels Program
Ministry at Holy Trinity(Sioux City, IA)
Served as pastor (proistamenos) from 2017-2023 While serving at Holy Trinity, he helped re-invigorate their Greek Language programs for youth and adults, offered in-depth catechism and Bible Study courses, and increased growth with several new Orthodox converts.
Personal Life
Father Luke is married to Marusia (Podhurec), the daughter of a Ukrainian Orthodox priest. She holds a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling and is a devoted mother to their three daughters: Eleni, Magdalena, and Mia.
Current Role
As part of his ongoing ministry, Father Luke has been serving officially at St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn since June 1, 2024. He continues to serve as an Advisor of Ministries and Programs for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. His work focuses on strengthening parish ministries, developing lay leadership, and deepening the spiritual life of communities through Christ-centered programs.
Email: frluke@chicago.goarch.org
Past Clergy of St. Nicholas
1927 – 1964
Our Founder: Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Gambrilis
Assistant Priests:
Rev. Fr. Peter Rexinis
Rev. Fr. James D. Treantafiles
Rev. Fr. Basilios Pantazopoulos
1961 – 1968
Rev. Fr. Louis T. Greanias
Assistant Priests:
Rev. Fr. Polycarpus Gryfakis
Very Rev. Fr. Panagiotis Mitsis
Rev. Fr. Dan Assimakidis
1968 – 1979
Rev. Fr. Constantine Bithos
Assistant Priests:
Very Rev. Fr. Panagiotis Mitsis
Rev. Fr. Dan Assimakidis
Rev. Fr. Dennis P. Strouzas
Rev. Fr. Chris P. Kerhulas
Rev. Fr. Constantine T. Dimas
1979 – 1981
Rev. Fr. George C. Massouras
Assistant Priest:
Rev. Fr. Constantine T. Dimas
1981 – 1984
Rev. Fr. Dennis P. Strouzas
Assistant Priest:
Rev. Fr. Theodore Stoupis
1984 – 1997
Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel J. Karambis
Assistant Priests:
Rev. Fr. Theodore Stoupis
Rev. Fr. Nikiforos Tzerdimos
1997 – 2006
Very Rev. Fr. Timothy Bakakos
Assistant Priests:
Rev. Fr. Nikiforos Tzerdimos
Rev. Fr. Haralambos Kladis
Rev. Fr. Alexander Prodes
Rev. Fr. Peter Georgacakes
2006-2010
Rev. Fr. John E. Artemas
Assistant Priest:
Rev. Fr. Peter Georgacakes.
2010-2015
Rev. Fr. Michael N. Constantinides
2015-2020
Rev. Fr. Christodoulos Margellos
2020-2024
Rev. Fr. Stephen Bithos